Impact of drying on concrete and concrete structures

Abstract

This study reviews research showing changes in the performance of reinforced concrete structures and members caused by drying conditions and aims to contribute to evaluating the structural safety in the long-term use of concrete. Additionally, to build a consensus on the changes in the physical properties of concrete materials after drying, the review focused on experiments intended to produce a uniform distribution of moisture-induced material property changes in the interior of the cross-section. There is generally no effect on the change in the maximum loading capacity of a structure when the design is based on the flexural performance of the components. However, in the case of structures dominated by members determined by the shear capacity of the components, the reduction of the maximum loading capacity can be a problem. The decrease in stiffness is mainly due to the opening of shrinkage cracks and the decrease of Young’s modulus of concrete after drying. The change in the compressive strength of concrete due to drying is governed by the specific strength change of hardened cement paste caused by the colloidal nature. Still, it is also affected by the aggregate shrinkage, which changes the damage in concrete under drying.